Visitors are encouraged to navigate the trail using the special printed passport, which includes information about each participating brewery or cidery, a place to jot down tasting notes and special offers from select advertisers.

Explorers will receive a stamp in their passport after visiting each brewery or cidery. Once the passport is full, guests can bring them to the Travel Salem Visitors Center (located at 181 High Street NE in downtown Salem) and receive a commemorative glass etched with the Salem Ale and Cider Trail logo. Guests can also receive stamps in their passport from select advertisers. Once that portion of the passport is complete, they will receive a key chain bottle opener sporting the Ale Trail logo.

Travel Salem has been working closely with the Salem Brewery Association since early 2016 to help launch the Salem Ale and Cider Trail. “Salem has long been known as an award-winning wine region and now we also have a dynamic brew and cider culture,” says Maricela Guerrero. “We wanted to launch a program that makes it easy for locals and visitors to experience our craft breweries and cideries first-hand.”

Salem Ale & Cider Trail explorers are encouraged to share their experiences and help raise awareness about the trail on social media using the hashtag #SalemAleTrail.

“The Mid-Willamette Valley is home to an exciting and growing beer and cider scene, featuring talented artisans who are passionate about what they do and very supportive of each other,” says Jake Bonham, co-owner of Salem Ale Works and Salem Brewery Association Board Member. “The Ale and Cider Trail elevates our entire industry and is a perfect way to showcase the amazing assets in our region.”

Salem Ale and Cider Trail passports are available for $5 each at the participating breweries, cideries, the Travel Salem Visitors Center and select passport advertisers. For more information and an online map, visit the Salem Ale & Cider Trail website or call the Travel Salem Visitors Center at (503) 581-4325.